Suspect Steals Vehicle With Two Children Inside

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, November 18, 1999

On Wednesday, November 17, 1999, at approximately 2:10 p.m., Peter Caldera parked his 1972 white Ford truck at the curb in the 700 block of South Spring Street. When Caldera left the truck to conduct an errand, he left his two minor children inside of the truck with the keys. The children were 6 and 2 ½ years old.

Approximately 5 – 10 minutes later, Caldera returned to the location and found his truck and children missing. Police were notified, a command post was established at 8th and Spring Streets and crime broadcasts were made.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., the children were observed by a citizen standing on the corner of 84th Place and South Main Street. Police were contacted, 77th Area officers responded and the children were taken into custody unharmed. The children were subsequently transported to Central Area Police Station.

At approximately 4:40 p.m., the truck was observed parked in the 600 block of West 103rd Street. Police were notified, Southeast Area officers responded, the truck was impounded and held for fingerprints.

The suspect is described as a skinny male, Black, with short black hair worn in braids with multi-colored rubber bands, 5’7"-5’9" tall, thin build, 20 – 30 years of age, with a thin mustache and wearing a white tee shirt and black pants. The suspect has not been identified and is outstanding.

The occurrence is being handled as a Kidnap – Grand Theft Automobile investigation.

Central Area Detectives are handling the investigation. The police are requesting anyone with information to contact Central Area Detectives at 213-485-2671. After hours, contact Detective Headquarters Division at 213-485-2504.

For Release 7:35 am PST
November 18, 1999